5 June 2009: Queensland: Stop the sale!

[ozbob]

Media Release 5 June 2009

Queensland:  Stop the sale!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the Queensland Government must resist the temptation for short term gains and not sell off any of QR's rail assets.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"To ignore the voice of the people will condemn Labor to political oblivion.  We did not vote for asset sales."

"Rather than flog off our assets the Government should review their present expenditures."

"The Eastern busway should be delayed for example. There is already a railway line in place and the busway is only duplicating essentially what already exists."

"TransLink adds an unnecessary layer of cost and complexity to our public transport.  Operation control is best given to the operators for efficiency and responsiveness.  TransLink should retain a ticketing and overall integration role only.  Scrap the TransLink call centre, it is a waste of money."

"Immediately move forward with a proper fare structure for the go card, this will then lead to a high uptake and improved overall efficiency gains for our public transport."

"The parallels with the recent failure to flog off taxpayer assets in NSW is further proof the lessons of history are not learnt in the smart state!"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[justanotheruser]

there have been a sizeable succesful sale of public assets not only in Australia but other countries which could be quoted to support an asset sale. I am aware there have been failed ones as well but there is not conclusive evidence to say it should not happen at all. If done correctly it could be successful. However I doubt the ability of the government to do it in a way I would consider correctly.

I personally object to QR workers and MP for Bundamba Ms Miller complaining about lack of job security. Welcome to the real world people! I could get a phone call today telling me I'm no longer required. If they want job security then take a big pay cut to compensate. If you want the same pay don't be concerned about job security I say. Yes I do know what it is like to lose your job. It has happened to me twice. Once through outsourcing and the other due to the company being sold. Don't think simply because your government employees that your more special and deserve to be treated differently to the rest of the workforce.

One classic example of privatisation being better is telephones. I can get home phone and internet for a total of $60 a month with no call call costs. In the old days with telstra (or telecom as it was known back then) if I spent the same amount of time on the phone my bill would be around $300.

[#Metro]

I am with justanotheruser.
There are examples of good and botched privatisations.
It matters how competently the government does it (hmm...) and the nature of the thing being sold (i.e. you would not privatise the Courts etc).

Personally, the poor levels and huge disruptions of services to rail has made me favour the Melbourne Metro Model where the state continues to own everything, but the service is privately and competitively operated. Yes, Ms Nolan is on record as saying that "Melbourne's fares are more expensive", but I would counter by saying that Brisbane's might be cheaper but that is meaningless when your services are always cancelled or disrupted.

I'm surprised that commuters haven't begun to protest in the streets yet.